Del Bosque: "These players are fearless"

Vicente del Bosque appeared in a brief press conference on Spain’s arrival at the Opera Hotel in Kiev. The coach mentioned the penalty shootout against Portugal and Sergio Ramos’ Panenka-style strike. “We have daring individuals. Everyone who shot volunteered. There was a lot to lose and little to gain. People like Ramos are brave. I haven’t spoken to him except for the odd joke which his teammates liked”, he acknowledged.

“The tensest moment was when we went behind on penalties. For us, the last change was too. There was a long time to go. But I think it was the moment to do it and go for the win. We almost managed it in extra time”, he said. “The players are tired. We’re at breaking point. They are players who are used to this all season and I hope they get in shape for the final over these three days. The training sessions will be light”, he went on to say.

The coach acknowledged that the changes improved the team. “The two flank players were good for us, and the position of Busquets and Xabi Alonso strengthened the defensive line. We had some energy at the end of the game,” he acknowledged. “Pedro came off the bench with great enthusiasm and transmitted it to the team. When you take off someone who’s sulking, you see the difference. When someone upbeat comes on it’s really important”, he said.